WASHINGTON, DC, (May 10, 2016)—Patricia M Phillips, EA, a Bainbridge Township businessperson, met with the DC office of Ohio Congressman David Joyce on May 4 to discuss important issues affecting taxpayers as part of the annual National Association of Enrolled Agents’ (NAEA) “Fly-in Day.”
Nearly 100 enrolled agents (EAs) from across the country came to Capitol Hill to speak with their elected representatives about three vital issues for enrolled agents: IRS’ proposed ninefold increase to the fee charged for the Special Enrollment Exam (SEE), a three-part test required to earn the enrolled agent credential; minimum standards for all tax return preparers; and IRS’ Future State Vision, a new taxpayer-centered portal that will hinder the ability of tax professionals to provide the best possible representation to their clients. They started their day of meetings on Capitol Hill and ended the day with a celebratory reception at which Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA) spoke.
Patricia M Phillips holds the enrolled agent (EA) credential issued by the U.S. Treasury Department. Enrolled agents are the only federally-licensed tax practitioners who specialize in taxation and have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Enrolled agents specialize exclusively in taxes – that’s why they’re known as America’s tax experts.
“I was greatly encouraged by my visit with Rep. David Joyce and his staff,” Patricia M Phillips said, “An increase from $11 per part to $99 per part would nearly double the cost of each section of the SEE, and could prevent some tax professionals from pursuing the EA credential. I was also glad for the chance to focus attention on tax return preparer oversight. The IRS voluntary program does little to ensure that taxpayers are not taken advantage of by incompetent or unscrupulous preparers.”
The third issue NAEA members are addressing is the new portal for online accounts IRS has created that will provide taxpayers with easy pay options, direct communication with IRS personnel, and online installment agreements. Unfortunately, IRS sees a multiyear gap for practitioner access to similar accounts. This delay will infringe upon taxpayers’ right to representation and, we fear, lead taxpayers to settle with IRS when they shouldn’t. By personally calling on the Washington office of Rep. David Joyce, Patricia M Phillips participated in a true grassroots effort to promote the tax preparer profession and protect the American taxpayer. Participants educate legislators about issues affecting tax return preparers and obstacles preventing the tax code from being fairly applied and reasonably enforced. As a member of NAEA, Patricia M Phillips must adhere to a code of professional conduct and meet annual continuing education requirements that surpass those established by the IRS.
About the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA):
NAEA is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to representing, promoting and enhancing the enrolled agent profession – powering American’s tax experts. To find an EA in your area, go to the “Find a Tax Expert” directory at www.EAtax.org.
Image Courtesy of: http://mediatrackers.org/ohio/2013/10/04/congressman-dave-joyce-may-face-primary-challenge-ohio-rep
